The Experience

This is a Family’s Journey designed for family members to reconnect together in nature. So much of our individual lives are busy, filled with responsibilities and distractions.  Even as families, we can struggle to find the time to connect in a way that feels deeply satisfying or meaningful.  This trip is designed for families to have an experience together that facilitates closeness, communication, and the creation of memories. 

Imagine for a moment that you get to connect with your family as you paddle by ancient glacial ice and be completely unplugged from the pulls of technology. Look out into the sound for whales and wildlife as the crackling fire warms you at night. You will laugh, play, and rest. The landscape around you is ever-changing; it is time to replenish your cup with the awe that the glaciers of Alaska will inspire.  You will leave this experience with your cup replenished and those empty spaces within you full of hope, love, and support.

This 7-day journey is powered by nature, paired with highly skilled guides and amazing programming facilitators. No experience is necessary. The trip is all-inclusive once you arrive at the starting location. Let these amazing facilitators and Breakwater Expeditions take care of your family; you will create life-long memories together. 

The Destination

Millions of years of glaciations have gradually carved away a coastal plateau creating Prince William Sound and its many tributary fjords, passageways, islands, and rocky shores. Fewer than 10,000 people populate the towns of Whittier, Valdez, Cordova, and native villages combined; no roads connect these communities. Encompassing 7,000 miles of ocean, river deltas, tidal flats, and glaciers, Prince William Sound is a sea kayaker’s paradise. Snow-capped mountains shelter the Sound from outside influence and protect a rich diversity of life.  Bears, eagles, sea lions, seals, orcas, porpoises, and countless birds feast on the most productive salmon runs in the world, while humpback whales gorge all summer on plankton in preparation for their winter journey to their Hawaiian breeding grounds. We begin our journey in Anchorage and continue on to Whittier, where our expert guides will provide sea kayaking instruction and trip preparation for this unique expedition and truly once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage and meet guide and group at the hotel. Packing and orientation on the first night.

Day 2: Transport to Whittier and to Prince Prince William Sound
• Early morning after breakfast we will transport to Whittier.
• In Whittier we will outfit our boats, gear, and clothing.
• After loading ourselves and gear onto a jet boat, we will head out into the Prince William Sound to start our journey.

Day 3, 4, and 5: Paddle and Play and Explore
• Port Nellie Juan Inlet
• Graystone Bay
• Derickson Bay
• Port Nellie Glacier

Day 6: Morning paddle and back to Anchorage
• Morning Paddle for our last moments on the water in wild Alaska before the jet boat comes back to pick us up.
• In Whittier we will clean up gear, shower, and have a closing meal.
• Evening shuttle back to Anchorage airport or hotel will follow.

Day 7: Travel or stay the day
• Most flights are between 12:30 am - 3 am to head to the lower 48
• You can choose to stay the night at a hotel and fly out the following day